Context

In 1971, All in the Family debuted on CBS. The Apollo program of lunar landings continued with Apollo 14 and Apollo 15. NASDAQ debuted as a new stock exchange. The Vietnam War continued as did protests against it. The United Kingdom and Ireland both switched to decimal currency. Evel Knievel set a world record by jumping 19 cars. The Supreme Court of the United States ruled unanimously that busing of students may be ordered to achieve racial desegregation. Amtrak began inter-city rail passenger service in the United States. The U.S. ended its trade embargo of China. The 26th Amendment to the United States Constitution, lowering the voting age from 21 to 18, was formally certified by President Richard Nixon. The Attica Prison riots took place. Walt Disney World opened in Florida. Mariner 9 becomes the first spacecraft to orbit another planet (Mars). Intel produced the first microprocessor.

In sports in 1971, the Baltimore Colts defeated the Dallas Cowboys 16–13 at Super Bowl V in Miami, Florida. Boxer Joe Frazier defeated Muhammad Ali at Madison Square Garden. The Milwaukee Bucks won the NBA World Championship by sweeping the Baltimore Bullets in four straight games.

The top-grossing films of 1971 were Fiddler on the Roof, The French Connection, Summer of '42, Diamonds Are Forever, and Dirty Harry. The French Connection also took Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor. Top pop hits included John Lennon's "Imagine", George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord", Rod Stewart's "Maggie May", and The Rolling Stones' "Brown Sugar".